We're all about that angst, that sexual tension, that I-love-to-hate-you-and-hate-to-love-you vibes. And especially when it's paired with "there's only one bed" (I'll be highlighting some of those in my list 😉). Whenever someone says, "Give me a good recommendation for enemies to lovers books!" these are the ones I recommend.
Buckle up, because this is the most comprehensive list you'll ever find (in no particular order) - from urban fantasy to epic fantasy, from low steam to lots of steam, from traditional to indie books. If you want a smorgasbord of fantasy enemies to lovers, you've come to the right place!
**There will be minor spoilers below, but nothing earth-shattering**
Enemies Ever After (10 books, stand-alone)
Fairy tales, steamy, multiple authors
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
10 fairy tales. 10 authors. 10 steamy enemies-to-lovers romances.
If you're a sucker for enemies to lovers and want some new stories to sink your teeth into, this is a great series to start with!
The Bridge Kingdom (2 books)
Arranged marriage, "I've been sent to kill/betray you" + steam
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Lara, a trained killer and princess, is given to Aren, the king of an enemy land, as a bride. Her true purpose is to bring down his kingdom, but, of course, she can't help falling for him. This duo has plenty of sexual tension, action, and and a bit of steam!
The Curse of the Arcadian Stone (3 books)
"I've been sent to kill/betray you"
She was solely created to guard a legendary relic. But when a rogue thief from Earth disrupts her dreary world, her job won't be the only thing she loses. This is a fun, enjoyable read about an ancient fae whose boring life is suddenly disrupted by a human thief.
Dance of Thieves (2 books)
"I've been sent to kill/betray you"
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power. A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself. A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent. This duology is a spin-off of The Remnant Chronicles (which also has "I've been sent to kill/betray you vibes, by the way) and is just delightful! It's enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fake dating, and is an all-around excellent read.
Initiation: Elite Supernatural Trackers (3 books)
Supernatural prison
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Cara is a witch who can't control her powers, and she winds up thrown in supernatural jail. She catches the eye of four sexy and dangerous men, referred to as the Fabled Four. Though the multiple love interests may seem like reverse harem, this series is definitely MF. It's got excitement, romance, and mystery wrapped in a paranormal package!
ACOTAR (5 books)
Beauty and the Beast retelling, "There's only one bed" + steam, fated mates
This series is probably the most recommended series for enemies to lovers. Don't let book 1 fool you - yes, it starts out as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but book 2 will take you for a wild ride! That's where the enemies to lovers, fated mates, and steamy scenes come into play! If you haven't read this one before, give it a whirl! It's worth experiencing at least once.
Finding Eden (2 books, stand-alone)
Dystopian, Own Voices, "I've been sent to kill/betray you"
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
She's a mutant on the run. He's the warden hunting her. This book is described as "a post-apocalyptic Serpent and Dove meets modern X-Men." Though technically part of a series, book 2 can be read as a stand-alone. Both books take place in the same world but feature different characters. This book is an exciting twist on the supernatural thrown into a post-apocalyptic world. Definitely a good read to get your enemies-to-lovers fix!
Daughter of the Pirate King (2 books)
Pirates and sirens, "There's only one bed"
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Alosa is described as a "Lady Jack Sparrow" and that couldn't be more true! She's crafty and capable and always has a trick up her sleeve. I love the banter and constant tension between her and Riden. This duology is a quick, exciting read. Give it a read - you won't regret it!
Rebel's Blade (7 books)
"I've been sent to kill/betray you"
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Sage is a swordsmith who sets off to spy on the crown and lead a rebellion. But her plans go south and she ends up imprisoned by the devils themselves, her sworn enemies, the four princes of Aermia. Sage is a fierce and capable heroine, and all four princes have stunning three-dimensional personalities. This is Frost Kay's debut novel, but it reads like a fantasy bestseller! So, so good.
From Blood and Ash (3+ books)
"I've been sent to kill/betray you" + steam
Technically, I'd classify this as a "lovers to enemies to lovers." The world is richly developed and can be confusing at times, but Hawke is sexy af and makes it all worth it. I love that Poppy, while a blushing virgin (and I HATE the blushing-virgin-meets-older-man trope), is a fighter who can handle herself in battle. The plot twists and action were nonstop, the romance will make you want to fan yourself. Definitely recommend this one!
Ashes on the Earth: Stones of Fire (4 books)
Shifters, mafia, forced proximity
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Ellie gets caught in the crossfire of two rival shapeshifting gangs, so she must trust a mobster body guard - who is also a dangerous shifter - to keep her safe. This is a slow burn enemies-to-lovers with a mafia background, a smart female homicide detective, and a unique spin on shapeshifters - with a splash of Greek mythology!
Serpent & Dove (3 books)
Arranged marriage, "There's only one bed" + steam
Lou is a witch. Reid is a witch hunter. When they're forced to marry, we get all kinds of forbidden love, enemies to lovers, raw sexual tension. One thing I love about this series is that Lou is the sexually empowered, confident one and Reid is the innocent cinnamon roll. I love how it turns that trope on its head.
And it delivers with a good steamy scene as well 😉
Of Thorns and Beauty (4 books)
Arranged marriage, Beauty and the Beast retelling
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Zaina is forced into an arranged marriage to a Viking King in a castle full of secrets. But she carries secrets of her own, and the scars of her haunted past. Between the twists and turns, the secrets and mysteries, the swoonworthy romance, and the stunning worldbuilding - you won't be able to put this one down!
The Winner's Curse (3 books)
As a general's daughter, Kestrel enjoys an extravagant and privileged life. Arin has nothing but the clothes on his back. Then Kestrel makes an impulsive decision that binds Arin to her. Though they try to fight it, they can't help but fall in love. In order to be together, they must betray their people . . . but to be loyal to their country, they must betray each other. This trilogy is such an adventure! Raw, believable characters and incredible worldbuilding. Highly recommend!
Court of Bitter Thorn (4 books)
"I've been sent to kill/betray you"
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Elora has been tricked by a fae prince. To save her sisters, she intends to betray Prince Brannick before he can assume the throne of High King. But love gets in the way. Elora is a strong, capable heroine, and Brannick is as tricky as a fae can get! This is a delicious enemies to lovers that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Falling Kingdoms (6 books)
Very slow burn
This series has a very slow burn romance, but if you're patient, it's well worth the wait! The worldbuilding and plot twists will keep you guessing, and the four main characters are so well-developed! Such a great series.
The Demon's Kiss (3 books)
"I've been sent to kill/betray you" + "There's only one bed" + Romeo & Juliet
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
An assassin falls for her target, igniting a war of angels and demons. Cora is a witch, assassin, and skilled fighter. She's no-nonsense and knows how to handle herself... until she's tasked with killing an angel who can time travel. Like Serpent and Dove, the roles are reversed - Cora is the confident baddie and Vince is a cinnamon roll. This is a fast-paced urban fantasy romance that will keep you on your toes!
The Cruel Prince (3 books)
Bully romance
Normally I don't like bully romances, but this one is a classic. Jude and Cardan are both sneaky and don't mind getting blood on their hands. Going back and forth between the betrayal and the court intrigue of the fae is such a wild ride! Never a dull moment with this series.
Oath Taker: Kingdom of Runes (5 books)
Very slow burn
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Light magic is forbidden. Dark magic spells death. Haven has both. She's a tough, capable heroine in a complex world. The worldbuilding is breathtaking and the plot twists will keep you guessing. This series is like a darker Throne of Glass meets ACOTAR. If you're looking for a series to get you out of a reading slump - and with a deliciously slow burn romance - then this is for you!
Shatter Me (6 books)
Dystopian
Though this series reeks of YA tropes, it's still an enjoyable read. Juliette has the power to kill with a single touch, and this dystopian world is trying to control her power. The enemies to lovers is a nice slow burn, and definitely worth the wait!
Ember and Stone (4 books)
"There's only one bed"
Ena is a refreshing heroine with a heart of gold who defies her kingdom's laws in order to heal her people. This book has a richly developed world and an excellent romance. Highly recommend!
The Wrath and the Dawn (2 books)
Based on One Thousand and One Nights and The Arabian Nights
Khalid takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. However, the longer she stays in the palace, the more she realizes there's more going on than just a murderous prince.
Trick: Foolish Kingdoms (4 books)
Steam
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Poet is a jester renowned for being gorgeous, sinful, and cunning. But Princess Briar is convinced he's leading a traitorous plot against his rulers, and she's determined to expose his secret. This series is un-put-down-able, with steam and wit and excitement at every turn!
Renegades (3 books)
Superhero/villain
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Nova is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice—and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to the villains who have the power to end them both. This is a fantastic read with an anti-hero love story! Definitely worth the read.
Children of Blood and Bone
Low romance, Own Voices
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
This world is stunning. I absolutely loved the unique African culture and world of magic. The characters were fleshed out and real, and I loved how different each one was. The romance was subtle and very slow burn, but it felt believable. A dark, gruesome world filled with prejudice and hatred... The stakes were real, and the magic was enchanting! The author conveyed the story beautifully.
*Note: this book is emotionally heavy. If you're looking for a HEA, this probably isn't the book for you.
Fae Hunter (5 books)
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Allie and her sister find themselves face-to-face with a sneaky and deceptive fae. His beauty draws them both in, but while Allie realizes something is off, her sister agrees to follow him and disappears. Allie's efforts to escape leave her blind to the world, but she's determined to exact revenge. She vows to get her sister back and stop the fae once and for all.
To Kill a Kingdom (1 book)
Pirates and sirens, "I've been sent to kill/betray you"
Lira is a bloodthirsty siren set on adding Prince Elian's heart to her collection. Instead, she falls in love with him. This stand-alone is an action-packed swashbuckling tale of war, adventure, and love. A must-read!
An Ember in the Ashes (4 books)
This series has incredible worldbuilding. It's a bit on the darker side, and my heart was heavy when I finished it. I also sobbed like a baby. But the growth of the characters is stunning, and the love stories are breathtaking! Such a beautiful series.
A Deal with the Elf King (3 books, stand-alone)
Arranged marriage, Hades and Persephone
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Luella has dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town's only healer. That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives... for her. Taken to a land filled with wild magic, Luella is forced to be the new queen to a cold yet blisteringly handsome Elf King. The characters are flawed but lovable and so, so real. You feel for Luella from the start as she is drawn in by the people and their needs. Eldas is the perfect cold and cruel Elf King, who slowly lowers his defenses for his queen.
Bone Crier's Moon (2 books)
*Available on Kindle Unlimited*
Ailesse has been prepared since birth to kill the boy she’s destined to love. Bastien is on a quest for revenge. But his vengeance must wait, as Ailesse’s ritual has begun and their fates are entwined—in life and in death. Fascinating mythology, tons of adventure, amazing characters - and side characters! - plus a fabulous slow burn romance.
Kingdom of the Wicked (3 books)
Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost - even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden.
Then she meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems... All I have to say is, Wrath is sexy af... and he will not disappoint you 😉
Sorcery of Thorns (1 book)
Low romance
This stand-alone is light on the romance and heavy on the fantasy, but the love story is still delightful! Plus, who can refuse a bookish heroine who works in a library?? And Nathaniel's banter is hilarious. Silas is one of the most fascinating demons I've ever read about. This whole story is just a gem.
The Cursed Witch (3 books)
Very slow burn
This series was built on the concept of the hero, beaten and battered, knocking on the villain's door for help and saying, "I had nowhere else to go." Brielle is a fierce witch, but when she's hunted by her own people, she must trust the snarky and dangerous vampire, Leo - who gives strong Rhysand vibes - in order to survive. A very slow burn that delivers a little bit of steam at the end of the series. Definitely a must-read!
These Violent Delights (2 books)
Romeo & Juliet, Own Voices
Romeo and Juliet. In 1926 Shanghai. Plus a murderous monster. And a madness that causes people to rip out their own throats.
This book is a wild thrill ride with heart and vengeance! What a unique take on a classic tale.
Ivy & Bone (3+ books)
Steam
A Hades and Persephone retelling with a twist! Prue summons the devil to save her sister and inadvertently binds herself to him through marriage. Together, they must find a way to close the gates to the Underworld before the restless spirits take over the mortal realm.
Forced proximity, arranged marriage, slow burn spice, and only one bed!
This article was written by R.L. Perez.
R.L. Perez is a fantasy romance author, perfectionist, anxious Type A worrier, and proud Hufflepuff. She's published three series: the Timecaster Chronicles, the Nightcaster Chronicles, and the Bloodcaster Chronicles - three separate series set in the same world, featuring witches, romance, and time travel. She's currently working on the Ivy & Bone series, a steamy Hades and Persephone romance, and the Crowns of the Fae series, a set of steamy stand-alone fairy tale retellings. When she's not working on her books, she's either napping, diving into a good book, obsessively watching Netflix, or playing with her two kids. She loves chocolate, loud laughter, and alternative rock music.
